About
Background
Raia Development Initiative (RDI) is a non- profit making, non-religious and non- governmental organization working in Cross border (Kenya and Somalia).It also cross cuts the cross border of Northern Kenya and Juballand region of Somalia. It was established on 23rd April 2012, with a mandate to empower young men and women through constructive engagement and participation in peace building, healthy and just societies for all. The organization works at grassroots level to enhance the capacity of communities it works with to respond to their basic needs and advocates for their plights to elicit actions on their needs and interests in the international arena. It is for this reason that RDI has put together a number of intellectuals who have the skills and professions to consolidate its institutional capability in working with UN and other international and national agencies operating in the region in delivering effective services to the poor communities and collaborating as an implementing agency and information-sharing partner. RDI’s goals are accomplished through capacity-building, networking, dialogue, peace building-related programs, Emergencies and Drought response initiatives, information sharing and advocacy, community and resources mobilization and effective services delivery to the neediest persons in the community.
Since 2012, RDI has successfully implemented a number of programmes relevant to its mandate such as the promotion of inter-communal and inter-religious co-existence in Kenya and Somalia, capacity building for youth leaders and counter-violent extremism (CVE) in cross border of Wajir,Mandera,Baledxawo, Elwak and Bardhere..RDI works closely with national, governmental, non-governmental organizations, international charities/Donors Diaspora communities and volunteers. Current Partners PACT/USAID,DAI /USAID, FCDO-Reinvent, UNDP KENYA, URAIA TRUST and DERISWANAAG program (crossborder Project)
Our Vision
RDI envisions a self-reliant and empowered society, where youth and women are active participants in the social, political and economic growth of their communities.
Our Mission
RDI’s mission is to facilitate improvements in the standards of living for marginalized groups, especially youth and women, across Kenya and Somalia. By utilizing local resources and community-driven solutions, we seek to nurture self-reliant societies where people take control of their own development.
Our Core Objectives
Promote Peaceful Coexistence
Advocate for peace and cooperation among Somali communities in Kenya and Somalia. Engage in community workshops, dialogues, and youth programs that foster understanding and tolerance.
Gender Equality & Women Empowerment
Empower women and girls through advocacy, leadership programs, and eliminating gender-based violence (GBV). We focus on equal rights, access to education, and social protection for women.
Human Rights & Civic Education
Train youth and women on their rights, the importance of good governance, social justice, and gender equality through workshops, campaigns, and grassroots outreach.
Sustainable Development Projects
Implement community-driven development programs that promote environmental conservation, clean water access, sanitation, and hygiene.
Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)
Combat violent extremism through youth engagement, community dialogues, and peacebuilding programs designed to address the root causes of radicalization.
Youth Leadership Development
Empower young people with leadership skills and the tools needed to become active contributors to their communities.
Resilience Building
Strengthen the resilience of pastoralist communities and other vulnerable groups by addressing poverty, food security, and economic instability.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
Improve access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education to prevent disease outbreaks and improve public health.
Geographical Presence
RDI has operational presence in both Kenya and Somalia implementing different projects. The organization, however, has physical presence (offices) in Wajir and Elwak Somalia . This is a fully functional secretariat with full time employees. The communities in these regions were identified as one of the neediest communities that were affected by the civil war, radicalization and constant Drought, which consequently dispossessed them of everything they had and currently their lives are in critical conditions due to outbreak of diseases including WD/Cholera.
Principles of the Organization
- RDI intends to work with the youth/Women in our local communities to holistically address entrenchment of stability and social sustainability.
- The mission will be implemented through joint planning with the community and in partnership with National and international Charitable Organizations, Local Assembles, Social Welfare Departments, Education and Training Providers, whose activities focus on empowering and promoting the welfare of children, the youth, elderly, Women and Men.
- Accountability and transparency: We do not undertake work simply because funding is available. Our work is coherent and based on what we believe is needed. We are honest and open with each other, our donors, and those we fund.
- Participation: Community Participation, which includes beneficiary consultative processes, needs assessment and giving feedback in project closure and impact.
Our Core Values
- Respect: We adhere to respect the values and cultures of all our stakeholders whose participation in our decision-making process is of high importance.
- Integrity and Credibility: We perform in compliance with our mission, being honest and transparent in our activities.
- Voluntary service: We participate in our activities with a commitment not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
- Transparency & Accountability: We always remain accountable to our stakeholders by giving appropriate and timely feedback and transparent in our activities.
- Provision of quality services: Provide services that meet the standard, provide services that can be appreciated by the community and donor, durability, services that have impact to the beneficiaries, provision of the correct information provided to the clients.
- Commitment: We collectively serve the community by being effective and efficient in our activities.
- Gender Equality: We value equally the different behavior, aspirations, needs and rights of women and men. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but which is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities. Their rights, responsibilities and opportunities do not depend on whether they are born male or female.